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Key characteristics

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: 6 to 10 in
Width: 6 to 10 in
Flower color: Soft periwinkle blue blooms with layered, prominent yellow sepals
Foliage color: Medium green, deeply divided fern-like leaves that form a low carpet
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Part shade
Water: Moderate moisture
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers to tidy appearance
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Bees and other early-season pollinators

Groundcovers

Anemone nemorosa 'Allenii'

Allenii Wood Anemone

Anemone nemorosa 'Allenii' bears soft lavender-blue flowers with a pale center, opening fully in cool spring weather. Blooms appear in early to mid spring, floating above whorls of deeply divided green foliage. The flowers follow the sun, closing in shade or evening, while the foliage forms a low, carpeted layer that emerges early and retreats quietly as summer approaches.

Selected in the British Isles in the early twentieth century, this cultivar reflects classic woodland heritage.

Light

Part shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Borders
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Hellebores · Epimediums · Brunneras · Hostas · Ferns · Pulmonarias

Design tip

Plant in sweeping drifts beneath deciduous trees where the soft blue flowers create a peaceful woodland display each spring. Allow colonies to expand gradually, forming broad ribbons of color that weave naturally through shaded garden spaces over time.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)